Challenge Matches vs Wrestle-Offs
Lineups for Dual meets & Individual tournaments will first be decided by the Head Coach and his coaching staff.
If more information is needed, Coaches may require a wrestle-off.
Our team hosts the Blue & White Wrestle-off’s at begining of season as a way to introduce collegiate rules & collegiate officiating to freshman athletes.
If more information is needed, Coaches may require a wrestle-off.
Our team hosts the Blue & White Wrestle-off’s at begining of season as a way to introduce collegiate rules & collegiate officiating to freshman athletes.
Why do coaches dislike Challenge Matches?
Many college coaches have learned the hard-way that challenge matches erode a team with injuries & anguish. Coaches need to carry a full roster for an entire season and therefore need to think about longevity.
80/20 rule...
80% of challenge matches result in zero change. 20% of challenge matches cause an injury.
It’s better to double or triple enter wrestlers into a college open and let wrestlers compete with a referee in a tournament rather than use up valuable practice time for weekly challenge matches.
80/20 rule...
80% of challenge matches result in zero change. 20% of challenge matches cause an injury.
It’s better to double or triple enter wrestlers into a college open and let wrestlers compete with a referee in a tournament rather than use up valuable practice time for weekly challenge matches.
The Rules
Challenge matches for the Great Lakes District
Criteria
Criteria
- Must have photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Must valid REAL ID to fly to nationals in 2025
- A wrestler may challenge a varsity wrestler for his spot with 24-hour notice.
- Challenge matches will be 3-2-2 w/OT if needed. Riding-Time is required.
- Both wrestlers must weigh-in (5 pound allowance).
- Overweight=forfeit
- Unexcused absence=forfeit
- If varsity wrestler wins the first match, the challenge is over.
- If varsity wrestler loses the match, the challenger must win best of 3 matches
- 10m rest maximum between matches
- Both wrestlers MUST wear singlets, headgear & mouthguard (if braces)
- TWO weight class challenges maximum
Athletics is a privilege, not a right.
